Jack Catterall Excited For His Long-Awaited Opportunity to fight Josh Taylor
It’s been a long time coming for WBO world junior welterweight mandatory contender Jack Catterall (26-0, 13 KOs). But finally, he gets his world title opportunity. On February 26, the 28-year-old will step in the ring to challenge undisputed junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs), at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.
At a December 7 press event to officially kick off the fight in the UK, Catterall let it be known that he expects to win. Taylor is regarded as one of the elite fighters in the game and is ranked number six in the 3KingsBoxing’s Top Ten Fighters ratings. But for the mandatory challenger, he explained to the local press what he brings to the table is something different than the champ has seen before.
PRIMED AND READY
“He hasn’t fought Jack Catterall. You just said that he’s beaten all these world champions, all these different styles. But he hasn’t been in the ring with me.
“I bring a totally different game. I think that in February you’ll see all the stuff we’ve been working on, I’ve worked on, I’ve done it before. Everything’s got to come on that one night, put it together, and beat Josh.”
Patience has been a virtue for Catterall. He agreed to step aside in order for Taylor to face and defeat then WBC/WBO world 140-pound titleholder Jose Ramirez in June 2021 to become the undisputed champ. Catterall and Taylor were supposed to fight on December 18, but the champ was forced to pull out due to an injury.
As a result, the challenger has been out of the ring since November of 2020. When asked about worries about ring rust, he has no concerns. In the end, Catterall said the calculated gamble was worth it. Not only does he gets his chance to fight Taylor, but he also does so with all the belts on the line. In the end, Catterall feels he will not only win but is capable of doing so by stoppage.
“Of course I could stop Josh. I’d be stupid to not believe in my own punching power. We talk about Josh fighting these world champions and these elite fighters. Credit to Josh, but I think the only difference between me and Josh is opportunity. I’ve not had the opportunities.
“This is my opportunity. I can beat Josh.”
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
